Connecting Families through Community Collaboration
May 18, 2018
Top Stories
South Tahoe Middle School Bullying Survey Indicates a Positive School Climate
After an alleged bullying incident prompted a family to post disparaging comments on social media about the neglect of school district staff in addressing bullying issues, South Tahoe Middle School administered an anonymous survey to its 890 students to gain a better perspective from the students themselves on the problem of bullying. 755 students responded to the survey and the results confirmed that while yes, there are students who feel bullied at school, 64.4% of students reported that they have never been bullied at all during this school year. 16.3% reported that they experienced bullying “seldom” or 1-2 times per year; 11.8% reported “sometimes” or 1-2 times a month; 5% reported “regularly” or 1-2 times per week; and 2.5% reported “every day.”
The survey prompted valuable information from students about what teachers and administrators can do better to stop bullying and provided space for commentary. It also asked students to submit their names if they felt an urgent need to speak to a counselor. (Those students’ needs are being addressed in a timely manner with care and concern by the school’s intervention staff.) Twenty names were submitted.
Although the school has not issued a survey like this in recent years, and therefore cannot provide a comparison, South Tahoe Middle School feels the survey data reveals that the vast majority of students feel safe and are enjoying a friendly and positive middle school experience. At the same time, staff are exploring additional tools for addressing bullying of all forms. Currently at STMS, staff and students receive bullying training through empowerment assemblies, professional development, and clubs and enrichment opportunities aimed at building relationships, learning empathy and resilience, and respecting differences in one another. Additionally, this year, the District formed a diverse committee with the goal of implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in all schools. Professional development and piloting curriculum in SEL are scheduled for the 18/19 school year.
However, equally important to addressing bullying at the school level, is addressing it at home. In light of recent and ongoing social media posts around bullying, the District would like to remind students and families that cyberbullying (bullying committed by means of an electronic device) is illegal in California and a violation of District policy. Recent legislation gives school districts explicit authority to suspend or expel students who cyberbully during non-school hours and using non-school devices. More importantly, children who are victims of cyberbullying have shown to suffer from long-term emotional effects including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Helping children to understand, identify, and report bullying (video viewed by STMS students) is the first step toward prevention. Adults should also monitor their children’s use of social media and model good digital citizenship themselves. With this in mind, the District asks that families allow time for an investigation into a bullying complaint so that factual information may be obtained and appropriate disciplinary measures can be administered by school officials. Bullying in any form is not tolerated at LTUSD and students and families should report bullying incidents to a teacher, administrator, or through the District’s anonymous reporting system. View this article in Spanish
tahoe arts project is proud to present 'giants in the sky' a musical performed by south tahoe middle school students
ACT ONE is a new program that encourages middle school-aged students to participate in theater production and performing arts through creative expression. Thirty participants have remained focused and dedicated throughout the production process and they are excited to share this fun musical with the community!
There will be two performances, Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19th at 7:00 pm at Lake Tahoe Community College Duke Theater. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 6:15 pm. Adults $10 and children $5. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
This magical story explores the world of Giants who live above the clouds. Ever since they left Earth a long time ago, the Giants have made a life up above where their job is to keep the sky beautiful. They polish the stars, poke the clouds to let it rain and paint the sunsets. But there is one curious Giant who wonders what life is like on Earth, so she steals a key to the locked up “beanstalk” and embarks on an adventure down below! Giants in the Sky is Directed by Richard S. Sargent and Choreographed by Kylee Weiss.
SOUTH TAHOE HIGH SCHOOL FULLY ACCREDITED THROUGH JUNE 2022
South Tahoe High School received great news from the WASC Commission last week with confirmation that STHS is fully accredited through June 2022.
In her address to the community, Principal Carline Sinkler wrote: As we near the end of my first year in South Lake Tahoe, I want to express my deep appreciation for the dedication of our High School and District staff. Our community’s commitment to our students and families is inspiring!
Parent and community involvement was critical to our positive result and we are grateful for everyone’s contribution. Most especially, our Boosters members, School Site Council, Cafecitos/ELAC, PABA and everyone who attends Viking Vision Community Meetings.
STHS is on a clear path toward being a school as extraordinary as the place we live. We want to continue our momentum toward Viking Vision and invite you to participate in our next meeting at the Middle School on June 4th where we will welcome the class of 2022 - more information on our home page at http://sths.ltusd.org/.
In celebration,
Carline Sinkler, Prinicipal, South Tahoe High School
Awards and Recognition!
STHS grad Rose Campion leaves USC on a high note as 2018 Valedictorian
South Lake Tahoe's Rose Campion is now a graduate of the University of Southern California with a double major in history and music. The 2014 South Tahoe High graduate was the 2018 USC Valedictorian during their May 11 graduation ceremonies.
Some of her quotes from her speech in front of the 5,000 graduates and their families and friends:
"We made it!"
"We need empathy to repair these deep divides and create a unified and peaceful society."
"Practice empathy each and every day."
And, of course, she mentioned her hometown of South Lake Tahoe.
- Paula Peterson, South Tahoe Now
Board Agendas and Schedule of Regular Meetings Meet Your Board Members Board Policies
The next Board of Education meeting is this Tuesday, May 22, at 5:00 PM, with Closed Session at the end of the meeting. The Board and Superintendent will open this day's meeting at 12:40 PM at South Tahoe High School with their annual luncheon with Seniors where they will hear from students about their educational experience at LTUSD. On the evening agenda: Wellness Committee Presentation on Nutrition Program Goals and Recommendations; Recognize Student Board Member; Present LCAP Actions and Expenditures for Year 2 of the 2017-20 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP); Governor's May Budget Revise; Approve Job Descriptions for Surveillance and Social Workers; First Reading of 2019/20 Calendar; Courses of Study for STHS; and more. We hope you can join us! Here is a link to the agenda (click on May 22, 2018 in the right column).
Community Resource Listing
Looking for services available for you and your family? Check out this quick access summary and community folder for relevant locations and services.
step into your schools
BIKE OR WALK TO SCHOOL JUNE 5-7!
Wellness
Mental Health Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
In 2018, NAMI will promote the theme of "CureStigma" throughout all awareness events, including Mental Health Month.
Why this cause is important: One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.
Campaign manifesto: There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma.
Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation
Please take a moment to thank a LTEF Member when you see them in our community!
LTEF GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH SEPT. 18
The diligent work of the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation (LTEF) has allowed our students to participate in an multitude of educational and enrichment programs that would have been otherwise unavailable to our schools. For nearly 30 years, the LTEF has operated as a volunteer-lead non-profit organization whose driving purpose is to "support the educational programs and needs of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District. " This is done through a fall and spring grant request process in which LTEF provides $40,000 to $60,000 each year to enrichment grants. Individual and business donations are the sole source for the LTEF fund. If you are interested in learning more or wish to donate, please visit the Foundation at http://www.ltedf.org/. Here photos from are some of the 24 programs that received a total of $69,552.40 in LTEF grants this year!